Põlva Serviti crowned champions on home court after defeating Dragūnas Klaipėda in Final

April 12, 2026

Põlva Serviti lifted the trophy on home court on Sunday afternoon, defeating HC Dragūnas Klaipėda 32:29 in the Baltic Handball League Final to become 2025/2026 season champions.

Backed by their home crowd in the Final 4, Serviti delivered a composed and powerful performance, leading for most of the match and withstanding a late Dragūnas push to seal the title. After also beating the Lithuanian side 31:29 earlier this season, the Estonian team once again found the answers in the decisive moments.

Early setback, strong response

The final started with Dragūnas taking a 2:0 lead, but Serviti quickly settled into the match through goals from Alfred Timmo and Mathias Rebane. Even after losing Ülljo Pihus to an early disqualification in the seventh minute, the hosts did not lose control.

Instead, Põlva responded with determination. Hendrik Varul began to impose himself in attack, while Stanislav Kholodiuk and Henri Sillaste added important goals as Serviti gradually built momentum. After a tightly contested opening quarter, the Estonian side pulled away with a strong spell that turned an 8:8 score into a 13:8 advantage.

Dragūnas managed to trim the gap slightly before halftime, but Serviti remained in charge and took a 17:13 lead into the break.

Serviti stay in front

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Dragūnas trying to close the distance but Serviti repeatedly responding at the right moment. Jurgen Rooba, Timmo, Tõnis Kase and Rebane all made key contributions as the home team stretched the lead to 28:21 and later 31:24.

Although Dragūnas refused to surrender and mounted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to 31:29 in the final minute, Serviti had the last word. With just seconds remaining, Hendrik Varul scored the decisive goal for 32:29, ending the contest and sparking celebrations in Põlva.

Top performers

Varul led the champions with 7 goals and also scored the final goal that secured the title. Timmo added 6, Rebane scored 5, Rooba contributed 4, and Kase finished with 3. Serviti’s attack was balanced and effective throughout the final, with several players stepping up at crucial moments.

For Dragūnas, Lukas Juskenas scored 6 goals, including two seven-meter throws, while Deividas Virbauskas and Karolis Stropus added 5 each. Filip Hrnjak also made a strong contribution with 4 goals, but it was not enough to overturn Serviti’s advantage.

Champions in front of their fans

Winning the title at home made the triumph even more special for Põlva Serviti, who completed a memorable Final 4 weekend by first reaching the final and then finishing the job in front of their supporters.

HC Dragūnas Klaipėda take silver after a strong tournament run, while Mistra secured bronze earlier in the day with a dramatic victory over VHC Šviesa.

With the trophy staying in Põlva, the 2025/2026 Baltic Handball League season came to a fitting end — with the home team standing on top of the podium.